James Trimble

Traffic problems already existed due to the closure of Forth Road Bridge, but heavy rain made things even more difficult on the roads for motorists, who were advised to only travel if absolutely necessary at the height of the storms.

Flooding and structural damage to the roof of the main stand at Falkirk FC led to the team’s match against Livingston to be postponed, one of the many sporting events across the country to be called off.

The weekend saw winds gusting up to 70mph and the constant downpour caused the River Carron to burst its banks, leading to the closure of the B905 between Larbert Cross and Checkbar.

Other road closures included Stirling Road between Camelon and Larbert, the A883 between Camelon and Bogton and the M9 southbound between junctions 9 and 11.

A Falkirk Council spokesman said: “We have been experiencing some difficulties on the roads throughout the council area due to the extremely wet and windy weather. We had a sweeper deployed at A803 Glasgow Road, Camelon because there were numerous floods along the road, which we believe has been caused by blocked gully gratings.

“We had a squad at Seabegs Road, Bonnybridge, due to a fallen tree blocking the road. Rivers and watercourses are all high and there is risk of further flooding. Police Scotland complained to us a number of times about people ignoring the road closed signs.

“They were keen to reinforce the need for motorists to comply with the road closed signs to avoid stranded vehicles and drivers which put an additional strain on already stretched resources.

“Sandbags have been provided and placed at locations where properties are at risk of flooding and fallen trees have been attended to. Teams will continue to work overnight, deploying resources to areas as necessary. Several locations throughout the area are being monitored.”